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Scientific, Instrument, Hourglass, Blue Sandglass, 3rd Quarter, 20th Century

$800

Hourglass (Sandglass)
American: Mid 20th century
Painted wood, tinted blue glass
13 inches high; 6.25 inches diameter at ends
$800

Available for prop rental or purchase; please inquire.

Hourglass of typical form, of blue painted wood, having three baluster turned supports with gilt highlights on the ring turnings, and with round ends with molded edges on disk feet. The central blue tinted hourglass is comprised two sections joined by a central wooden ring.

Product description continues below.

Description

The invention of the hourglass is attributed to an 8th-century monk in Chartres, France, with the marine sandglass appearing as early as the 14th century. In earlier examples the bulbs were connected with a material such as putty or a hardened wax, bound in leather, linen or string. From about 1720, the two bulbs were welded together over a brass bead drilled with a hole, often still bound in leather. From around 1760, the glass was blown in one piece (with the sand inserted in the cooled end before sealing it). Ships would use the glasses to measure time at sea on a given navigational course. The invention of clocks and watches largely superseded the practical need for hourglasses.

Condition: Generally very good overall. with the usual light wear and handling.

References:

“Marine Sandglass.” Wikipedia. 26 March 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_sandglass (24 April 2014).

Pope-Hennessey, John et al. The Encyclopedia of Antiques. New York: Greenwich House, 1982. p. 298.

Additional information

Century

20th Century